Removal instructions for ProjectExpress adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ProjectExpress?
ProjectExpress is a piece of rogue software that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our inspection of this application revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
ProjectExpress adware overview
Adware may require certain conditions to be met in order to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display adverts). For example, this software might not deliver ads if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to particular websites are not made, or similar. However, the presence of ProjectExpress (or other adware) on a system endangers device/user safety regardless of whether it displays advertisements.
Adware-delivered adverts promote unreliable/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software - upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is usually undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, ProjectExpress may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are standard for AdLoad adware. However, this app did not exhibit such behavior during our analysis.
What is more, ProjectExpress likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically gathers browsing-related information, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, etc. The collected information is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like ProjectExpress on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProjectExpress |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; AnalyticDeal, LoginCheck, and GenerateExplorer are a few of the latest. This software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did ProjectExpress install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using various deceptive methods. It can be bundled (packed) into the installation setups of ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are also used to spread adware. Intrusive advertisements are employed in distribution as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can download/install software (adware included) without user consent.
Advertising-supported software can be promoted through "official" download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also recommend exercising caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads appear legitimate and innocuous, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProjectExpress, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProjectExpress adware's installation is over:
ProjectExpress adware's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
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Quick menu:
- What is ProjectExpress?
- STEP 1. Remove ProjectExpress related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProjectExpress ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProjectExpress adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProjectExpress ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProjectExpress adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProjectExpress adware removal:
Remove ProjectExpress-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.
After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware may decrease browsing quality and system performance. It typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Additionally, adware-displayed advertisements are often deceptive/malicious and can cause serious issues (e.g., malware infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProjectExpress adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) may not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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